Charlie Chaplin's Smile [Ukulele Solo]

Published 22nd Oct 2012

Years ago I heard a beautiful arrangement of Charlie Chaplin's
"Smile" on Ukuele
Mike’s Youtube channel. Unfortunately the video is no-longer online.
However, his arrangement inspired me to create my own using his as a starting
point.

My goal was an arrangement which exposed the simplistic beauty of the
song’s timeless melody. Unfortunately while trying to expose the melody
I inadvertently exposed my amateur technique. That’s why it has taken
several years (4-5?) of idle practice to get this piece to a place where it was
fit to record. I hope you enjoy listening to this recording as much as I have
enjoy playing it for the last several years:

The lyrics to the song are not used in this recording but are none-the-less
an important part of this song:

Smile, though your heart is aching
Smile, even though it’s breaking
When there are clouds in the sky
you’ll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You’ll see the sun come shining through
for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That’s the time you must keep on trying
Smile what’s the use of crying
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you’ll just
Smile